This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Marx JA, et al. Infectious diarrheal disease and dehydration. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Aug. Aurbach PS. Dehydration, rehydration and hyperhydration. In: Wilderness Medicine. Rochester, Minn. Somers MJ. Clinical assessment of hypovolemia dehydration in children. Miller HJ. Dehydration in the older adult. If you start to feel discomfort and bloating from drinking, stop drinking and allow time to recover.
If you, your child or someone you are caring for is ill, particularly with a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea , there's a high risk of becoming dehydrated, so it's important to start replacing fluid as soon as possible.
There are no specific recommendations regarding the amount of water or other fluids that children need. However, it's important for children to replace lost fluid, to prevent dehydration.
Like adults, children lose more water when they are in hotter climates and when they are physically active. You should give your child healthy drinks as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet. Home Illnesses and conditions Nutritional Dehydration. Dehydration See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About dehydration 2. Symptoms of dehydration 3. Causes of dehydration 4. Treating dehydration 5. Preventing dehydration.
About dehydration Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include: feeling thirsty and lightheaded a dry mouth tiredness having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine passing urine less often than usual A baby may be dehydrated if they: have a sunken soft spot fontanelle on their head have few or no tears when they cry have fewer wet nappies are drowsy The body is affected even when you lose a small amount of fluid.
Read more about the symptoms of dehydration What causes dehydration? Read more about the causes of dehydration Who is at risk from dehydration? Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain groups are particularly at risk. These include: babies and infants — they have a low body weight and are sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss older people — they may be less aware that they are becoming dehydrated and need to keep drinking fluids people with a long-term health condition — such as diabetes or alcoholism athletes — they can lose a large amount of body fluid through sweat when exercising for long periods What to do If you're dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted squash or fruit juice.
Read more about treating dehydration When to see your GP See your GP if your symptoms continue, despite drinking plenty of fluids, or if you think your baby or toddler is dehydrated.
Contact your GP, out-of-hours service or NHS 24 service straight away if you have any of the following symptoms: extreme thirst feeling unusually tired lethargic or confused not passing urine for eight hours rapid heartbeat dizziness when you stand up that doesn't go away after a few seconds You should also contact your GP if your baby has had six or more episodes of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours, or if they have vomited three times or more in the past 24 hours.
Symptoms of dehydration Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how much of your body weight is lost through fluids. Other symptoms may include: dizziness or light-headedness headache tiredness dry mouth , lips and eyes passing small amounts of urine infrequently less than three or four times a day Dehydration can also lead to a loss of strength and stamina.
You should be able to reverse dehydration at this stage by drinking more fluids. When to see your GP See your GP if your symptoms continue despite drinking fluids, or if you suspect that your baby or toddler is dehydrated. Severe dehydration If dehydration is left untreated, it can become severe. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Contact your GP, out-of-hours service or NHS 24 service straight away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling unusually tired lethargic or confused, and you think you may be dehydrated dizziness when you stand up that doesn't go away after a few seconds not passing urine for eight hours a weak pulse a rapid pulse fits seizures a low level of conciousness If severe dehydration is not treated immediately, it can lead to complications.
Dehydration in babies A baby may be dehydrated if they have: a sunken soft spot fontanelle on their head few or no tears when they cry a dry mouth fewer wet nappies dark yellow urine drowsiness fast breathing cold and blotchy-looking hands and feet Read about how to treat dehydration in babies.
Causes of dehydration Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough fluid or by losing more fluid than you take in. There are several causes of dehydration, which are described below. Illness Dehydration is often the result of an illness, such as gastroenteritis , where fluid is lost through persistent bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Sweating You can also become dehydrated if you sweat excessively after a fever, exercise, or carrying out heavy, manual work in hot conditions. Alcohol Dehydration can also occur as a result of drinking too much alcohol. Diabetes If you have diabetes, you're at risk of becoming dehydrated because you have high levels of glucose in your bloodstream. Read more about the different types of diabetes Who's at risk?
The groups of people most at risk of dehydration are: babies and infants — their low body weight makes them sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss older people — they may be less aware they're becoming dehydrated and need to drink fluids people with a long-term health condition — such as diabetes or alcoholism athletes — they can lose a large amount of body fluid through sweat when exercising for long periods Hyponatremia It's possible to become overhydrated while exercising.
Treating dehydration The best way to treat dehydration is to rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, diluted squash or diluted fruit juice. A sweet drink can help to replace lost sugar, and a salty snack can help to replace lost salt. Babies If your baby is dehydrated, take them to see your GP as soon as possible. Infants and children Infants and children who are dehydrated shouldn't be given solely water, because it can dilute the already low level of minerals in their body and make the problem worse.
Read more about vomiting in adults and vomiting in children and babies Oral rehydration solutions When you're dehydrated, you lose sugar and salts, as well as water. Severe dehydration Seek immediate medical help if you suspect someone is severely dehydrated see symptoms of severe dehydration. Preventing dehydration You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Drink regularly If you're active, or if the weather is particularly hot, there's a greater risk that you will become dehydrated.
Illness If you, your child or someone you are caring for is ill, particularly with a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea , there's a high risk of becoming dehydrated, so it's important to start replacing fluid as soon as possible.
Advice for children There are no specific recommendations regarding the amount of water or other fluids that children need. Tweet Click here to share this page on Twitter This will open a new window. Print Click here to print this page This will open your print options in a new window.
Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window. When left untreated, chronic dehydration has been linked to other health conditions like high blood pressure and kidney stones.
Chronic dehydration presents a bit differently. You may experience some of the above symptoms. Other signs of chronic dehydration include:. Signs of chronic dehydration that a doctor will look for include a concentrated blood volume, abnormal electrolyte levels, and reduced kidney function over time.
The causes of chronic dehydration can vary. Risk factors for developing chronic dehydration include:. Heatstroke and living in a hotter climate are often linked. Frequent diarrhea can leave you dehydrated. Certain digestive tract conditions can make you more prone to diarrhea, including:. Dehydration can occur in children. Childhood illnesses accompanied by a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting also leave children vulnerable to dehydration.
Be familiar with the warning signs of dehydration in toddlers. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can also put you at a higher risk for dehydration. Hyperemesis gravidarum , a condition caused by pregnancy, can make it especially difficult to maintain proper hydration levels.
If your doctor suspects you have chronic dehydration, they may run several tests. A simple physical exam test to check for any kind of dehydration is called a skin turgor test. Other testing for chronic dehydration requires lab work. These tests will indicate the extent of your dehydration.
Also, having a baseline to compare subsequent labs over time can help your doctor differentiate between acute and chronic dehydration. They can also help your doctor decide what kind of treatment to recommend. Drinks with added electrolytes may be prescribed to help your body recover lost fluid.
You may want to try this delicious homemade electrolyte drink as well. Instead of drinking a high volume of liquid at once, you may need to drink small quantities of fluid more often. In severe cases of chronic dehydration, you may need to be hospitalized and have an intravenous line to deliver fluids directly into your bloodstream until dehydration improves.
Your long-term care will be geared toward preventing future dehydration.
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